ABSTRACT
In New Zealand, 5 new licenses were granted in offshore Taranaki and 4 licenses were relinquished in other parts of the country. Seismic survey activity increased, partly due to a dense survey over Maui field. Sniffer surveys were used for the first time in New Zealand in 5 licenses. Onshore seismic totaled 717 line-km, and offshore seismic totaled 3,693 line-km. Drilling continued at a high level for New Zealand with 12 onshore and 5 offshore wells totaling 57,147 m. Two gas and condensate discoveries, Tariki-1A and Ahuroa-2A, were made in the overthrust play of eastern Taranaki, and a gas and condensate (possible oil) discovery was made off the south Taranaki coast at Kupe South-1. Total petroleum production increased to 4,546 million m3 of gas, 1,208 thousand m3 of condensate, 186.7 thousand m3 of LPG, and 501 thousand m3 of oil. Early depletion of the D-sand reservoir in Maui-A field led Shell BP Todd to shoot 1,598 km of seismic over the field and to drill 3 appraisal wells.
Tonga has released a new license map with 119 blocks offered. Significant changes in legislation include increased royalties, a reduction of exploration license duration to 11 years (but 25 years for development of a discovery), and replacement of expenditure commitments by license work programs.
In Papua New Guinea, the Iagifu-2X discovery was confirmed with the drilling of Iagifu-3X, which established 4 oil pay zones in the field. The Papuan foldbelt is now considered a very attractive oil province, and most of the basin is under license.
